St. Louis County officer accused of targeting blacks fired

CLAYTON, Mo.—A St. Louis County police lieutenant was fired Monday, nearly six months after being accused of telling officers to target and arrest blacks in a predominantly white area of the county.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Lt. Patrick “Rick” Hayes was fired Monday following a six-month internal investigation.

St. Louis County police officer Randy Vaugh said the investigation began with an anonymous letter dated Dec. 24 from a county officer. He said the letter alleged that the lieutenant ordered officers under his command to focus on arresting blacks in the area of South County Center and a Wal-Mart store in south St. Louis County.

St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch says the investigation determined that Hayes violated department policies but no officers followed his commands.